HPAC AWARD
Chair Dorsol Plants presents Officer Adonis Topacio with a Certificate of Appreciation from HPAC. Officer Topacio has attended most of our monthly meetings for several years. As part of our Community Police Team, he gives us a police report and addresses the neighborhood's safety and law enforcement concerns.

We discussed what seems to be wave of gang graffitti in the neighborhood. It was stressed that graffitti needs to be removed promptly to discourage more of the same. Ask police or neighbors for help in doing this, if you need to. Email adonis.topacio@seattle.gov

NEWS: TENT CITY

TENT CITY is a homeless encampment that went up today (9-22-08) in one of the spots that is a proposed City Jail site, West Marginal Way.
Read about it on West Seattle blog.

"Nickelsville for Dummies" (basics explained)

The place is nicknamed "Nickelsville" to protest the Mayor's insensitivity and remind us of the "Hooversvilles" that cropped up during the Depression.

Aaron Colyer and Anitra Freeman (right) explained their position as advocates of the homeless, who are in Tent City not by choice, but because of unaffordable housing markets, tight job markets, and health and family problems. They stressed that unfortunate people are dying each year for lack of shelter and medical care, especially during the winter.

Pete Spaulding of the West Seattle Food Bank reported an overwhelming number of families in need this year.

Chair Dorsol Plants (left, blue shirt) works at a homeless shelter downtown, and is familiar with the ongoing social problem. His shelter turns down more people than it can serve.

He made a motion that rather than fight to banish Nickelsville, we should be in solidarity with them. The motion was seconded. Those present voted, with one opposing vote, to accept Tent City as neighbors, for the time being, and write a letter to the Mayor declaring that support.
HPAC Letter to Mayor

Dan Mullins was interviewed by a Seattle Times reporter, who seemed to be fishing for an outraged HP community response to Tent City. Dan told him the community would likely review the facts before rushing to judgement. But that part was left out in the published story: 150 tents for homeless spring up on land owned by Seattle

The P-I's quote from Dan is in their story: Nickelsville defying Seattle deadline to move

HPAC members went to Tent City to meet with residents and Dorsol was interviewed by KOMO news, 9-23-08 PHOTOS

White Center
Cultural Center

Two representatives from
White Center Community Development Association spoke of ongoing plans to convert the old St. James church on 18th Ave & Barton St. to a community cultural center. This is on the border between White Center and Highland Park.

HPAC members, especially former Chair Blair Johnson and Dina Johnson, have been involved with the planning since earlier this year:
Detailed pictures & story of new community center plans

Some of the outer structure of the historic church will be preserved, but the steeple and other religious artifacts will be removed, so it no longer resembles a religious institution. That way, all of White Center's diverse population, people of many religions and cultures, will feel welcome.

The specific programs and classes to be offered have not yet been decided. The representatives stressed that the planners want community involvement, so the new center can evolve organically.

• FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY
  Friday October 31, Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 Holden St.

Fun for kids with pinatas, games with prizes, and of course costumes, spooky decorations, and goodies. To volunteer, contact Dorsol Plants:
hpac-chair@highlandpk.net

• Mexican tradition DAY OF THE DEAD
  Friday October 31, Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 Holden St.

A celebration to honor our ancestors and passed away loved ones. Adult fun with feasting, costumes, music, dancing. To volunteer: Contact Diane Tchakirides: diane@dianetdesign.com

More details will be announced shortly!